On April 22, 1868, the Whitewater Normal School (now UW-Whitewater) officially opened and classes began. The second woman to register as a student in the normal program was Mary Louise McCutchan. Mary McCutchan started classes soon after and graduated in 1870. Ms. McCutchan was not only a member of the first graduating class but also the first woman graduate. After graduating, Ms. McCutchan left Whitewater for a teaching job.[1]
After graduating Ms. McCutchan taught in multiple schools including Edgerton, Johnstown, and the Milwaukee Schools. Nineteen years after graduating, Ms. McCutchan returned to her alma mater and took over as the Principal of the Preparatory and Grammar departments. During her teaching years, she was best remembered as being direct and opinionated about campus affairs. Her slogan on campus was “Be thankful for the half loaf; it is seldom we can have the whole one.”[2] Mary McCutchan taught at the Whitewater Normal School for thirty-eight years before leaving in 1908. She had decided that it was time for a break in teaching and wanted to enjoy a rest while still in good health. Although her departure was for a break, Mary McCutchan would never return to teaching.[3]
Mary McCutchan continues to be remembered on campus because of the building that is named for her. McCutchan Hall, built in 1960, was originally constructed to be a dorm. Years later, the building was renovated into an academic building, mainly used for offices. McCutchan Hall now houses programs including the Student Diversity, Engagement, and Success office, Global Experiences, McNair Scholars, and the Honors Program.[4]
[1] M. Janette Bohi, A History of Wisconsin State University 1868-1968 (Whitewater, WI: Wisconsin State University Foundation, 1067, 202.
[2] M. Janette Bohi, A History of Wisconsin State University 1868-1968 (Whitewater, WI: Wisconsin State University Foundation, 1067, 202.
[3] “Taught Thirty-Eight Years: Miss Mary McCutchan To Take a Well Earned Rest,” The Whitewater Register (Whitewater, WI.) July 18, 1908.
[4] M. Janette Bohi, A History of Wisconsin State University 1868-1968 (Whitewater, WI: Wisconsin State University Foundation, 1067, 202.